Some non-fire-safe cigarettes for sale despite ban
SALEM, Ore. – A new law that took effect Tuesday requires all cigarettes sold in Oregon to be “fire safe.”
But KATU easily found stores willing to sell non-fire-safe cigarettes illegally.
Cigarette retailers have known since the end of June that they would have to unload their old stock by Jan. 1, 2008, in favor of the “fire safe” variety, which make a cigarette self-extinguish when it is left untouched. The point is to prevent fires caused by unattended burning cigarettes.
Retailers caught selling illegal cigarettes face a fine of at least $1,000 per incident.
But that didn’t stop some Salem-area stores from selling them Tuesday.
Some shopkeepers claimed ignorance when asked about the issue.
Fire-safe cigarettes are distinguishable because they have any of six markings near the barcode:
- FSC
- FS
- LIP
- RIP
- A black bar above the UPC
- A diamond symbol
If you have questions or complaints about retailers selling non-fire-safe cigarettes, you can call the Oregon State Fire Marshal at (503) 373-1540.